Newcastle turn to £44m striker after missing out on key summer target | OneFootball

Newcastle Turn to £44m Kean After Missing Out on Delap

Shift in Strategy as Delap Slips Away

Newcastle’s pursuit of a striker this summer has already stumbled once. The club had shown serious interest in Liam Delap, whose £30 million release clause was activated following Ipswich’s relegation. Eddie Howe was even “willing to change his formation” to accommodate the young forward.

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But as TBR Football reported, Delap now looks bound for Chelsea, prompting a pivot on Tyneside. Eyes have turned to Italy, where Fiorentina’s Moise Kean has emerged as Newcastle’s next high-priority target.

Photo IMAGO

Kean Sparks Renewed Ambition

Kean, who has often been compared to Edinson Cavani, just enjoyed a breakout season with Fiorentina, notching 25 goals in 44 appearances. His release clause, a tidy £44 million, remains active until July 15. Calciomercato states Newcastle are now “moving with greater determination” to sign the Italy international.

The departure of Raffaele Palladino as Fiorentina’s manager may further weaken the Serie A club’s ability to retain the 25-year-old. Napoli have also expressed interest, but Newcastle’s offer of Champions League football presents a powerful draw.

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European Football a Defining Factor

Manchester United have also reportedly entered the race. United are willing to meet Kean’s release clause after disappointing returns from their attacking options last season. But unlike United, Newcastle can offer Kean top-tier European competition.

With Champions League football on the table and a clear vision under Howe, Newcastle’s proposition carries weight. Whether it will be enough to see off rivals like Napoli and Manchester United remains to be seen.

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Losing out on Liam Delap was disappointing for Newcastle. There’s always something enticing about bringing in young English talent, particularly one with Premier League pedigree. But the pivot to Moise Kean? That’s not just a recovery plan — it might be an upgrade.

Kean offers raw pace, power, and a clinical eye in front of goal. Twenty-five goals in a Serie A campaign is not something to ignore. And the Cavani comparisons? They’re more than just lazy clichés. Kean is aggressive in the press, strong aerially, and clever with his movement. In many ways, he fits Howe’s blueprint perfectly — and unlike Delap, Kean is battle-tested in European football.

If Newcastle can get this over the line, especially with Champions League football as leverage, it signals a serious summer statement. It shows that the club is not just here to compete — they’re here to evolve. With the right investment and ambition, Kean could be the next name to light up St James’ Park.